A student is someone who humbles themselves under another or a system to study, observe, and gain knowledge, experience, or understanding in a particular subject or skill. This process typically involves strict observance and adherence to systematic procedures and instructions. The key to effective learning and understanding is instruction.
Let’s explore what it means to be a student of the Bible, the Word.
The Bible consists of three components: principles, prophecies, and promises. Adhering to principles, including God’s ways, leads us to the prophecies concerning our existence and the promises we can inherit or access.
Jumping to conclusions without observing the phenomenon can lead a student to erroneous results. Similarly, a Christian who claims to be a student of the Word may become overly religious, accumulating scattered information for baseless arguments. This can create a sanctimonious exterior without the necessary interior transformation that fosters partnership and communion with God’s Word.
The Bible identifies such people as having a form of godliness but denying its power (2 Timothy 3:5). Some refuse to learn, while others cannot defend what they have been taught because they haven’t allowed the Word to penetrate their hearts, clinging to old ways and thought patterns. These individuals are likened to Jannes and Jambres (2 Timothy 3:7-9).
Becoming a student of the Word involves three steps:
- Unlearning: Shedding or putting away previous idiosyncrasies, ideologies, and mindsets that represent the old self. One must approach God with a humble, willing, and believing heart. To come to God, we must first believe in Him and His reward for those who diligently seek Him. We must be open to receiving the truth (2 Timothy 3:7-9).
Being an ardent student entails wholeheartedly seeking the agency through which the knowledge of God is transmitted, which is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, as the custodian of wisdom, cannot be overlooked.
- Learning: Embracing God for who He is, understanding His purposes for us, and recognizing the redemption achieved through His Son’s sacrifice. This enables us to be free from the bondage of sin (2 Timothy 3:10-11).
- Relearning: Continuously advancing, renewing, and transforming our inner selves through the Word of God. This transformation is evident in our thoughts, lives, and behaviors. Our model is Christ, not human traditions or dogmas.
A student who fully comprehends and can defend the curriculum they have studied is considered well-certified. Similarly, attentiveness in the class or school of the Holy Spirit is demonstrated not only through the presence of spiritual gifts but by the full manifestation of spiritual fruits.
Tips for becoming a successful student:
- Genuine, fierce, unflinching desire (Acts 8:29)
- Humility (Acts 8:31)
- Obedience
- Childlike faith
- Determination and patience
- Love for God and His purposes
The role of model teachers who exemplify the Word of God is crucial. Additionally, it’s important to understand that encountering the Holy Spirit is a prerequisite for gaining revelational knowledge of the Word of God. The Holy Spirit is the greatest Teacher and Counselor (Acts 8:29).
Learning should never cease, regardless of one’s educational qualifications or exposure. We should continue learning until we meet in Heaven’s glory.
Hallelujah!
Written by Sis. Abigail Ndubueze (Team Watchmen)
